The 2026 Thames Internet Half Marathon saw more than just a race, it became a test of speed, control and character, with over 15,000 runners coming together and three 10K runners showing us what competing at the highest level really means.For three unforgettable days, the city came alive.From March 27th to 28th, the Times Internet Marathon Expo was bustling with energy, music, laughter, and the power that only thousands of people can create. Then came March 29th – match day.More than 15,000 runners took to the road, each with their own story.But in the men’s 10K event, having three athletes cross the finish line is not just a podium finish, but a benchmark for speed, discipline and execution under pressure.
Prashant Choudhary
Champion · 10K MenChip time: 00:29:57For Prashant Chaudhary, it was not just a game but the result of years of discipline coming together at the perfect moment.His journey started as early as school days and slowly built up through inter-school and college competitions, eventually taking him to the national and South Asian levels. A silver medalist at the South Asian level, Prashant brings experience and expectations with him every time he steps onto the field.But it wasn’t just his speed that stood out in the March 29 game, it was his control.After breaking the 30-minute mark, he not only led the game, he dominated it. Every step is calculated and every stage executed with precision.This was not an impulsive victory.This is a show that took years of preparation.When he crossed the finish line, it wasn’t just first place— This is authority.
Gaurav Chowdhury
1st Runner-up · 10K MenChip time: 00:30:17Gaurav Chaudhary’s game is a masterclass in patience.Gaurav’s running journey began in school and progressed steadily in inter-school competitions and national-level competitions, and has always been known for his long-distance running prowess. But a 10K race requires more than just endurance, it also requires timing.And his timing was spot on.He was in no rush to get started.He didn’t fade in between.Step by step he built his race.Gaurav was just 20 seconds behind the leader, proving that sometimes the smartest race is the strongest race.His running was not loud.It was composed.It was this calmness that kept him firmly on the podium.
Second place in men’s 10K groupChip time: 00:30:53Chandpal Maiya’s journey is one of steady growth and determination.Starting with his first medal at Kendriya Vidyalaya in eighth grade, he continued to blaze his own trail through competitive running in Rajasthan during college. With about three years of dedicated experience, his rise has been steady and rewarding.On game day, that consistency showed.In a race where less than a minute separated the podium, Chanderpal held his ground. He didn’t chase recklessly – he kept his composure, kept his pace and struck when it mattered.His performance was not a sudden burst of brilliance.It’s about continuous effort.In such a tight race, it makes all the difference.
Each of the more than 15,000 runners in the Times Internet Half Marathon is a dynamic story.But these three men remind us of something more poignant:10K is more than just running fast – It’s about running right.On March 29, they did
